Chilling Cover for Beverages

ABSTRACT

A beverage chilling system is provided. The system comprises a cover, a vessel, a fastener, and is configured such that the fastener allows attachment of the cover to a vessel, so that the cover can be used to prevent sunlight from warming the contents of the vessel. In certain implementations, the cooling device can take on an egg-shaped character and provide easy carrying by way of a movable handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/856087, filed Jul. 19, 2013, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE SYSTEM

The cooling system relates to an apparatus for chilling and maintainingchilled beverages in chilled state while outdoors.

BACKGROUND OF THE SYSTEM

The cooling system relates to an apparatus for storing chilled beveragesoutdoors. In warm weather, people have long enjoyed consuming coolbeverages outdoors such as at the beach or swimming pool. A commonpractice is to put bottles or cans in bucket of ice to keep them cold.For example, hotels and resort will frequently sell buckets of beer fortheir guests to enjoy as they relax by the pool, socialize, and suntan.This allows the guests to make less frequent trips to get more drinks.However a common problem arises when the bucket is placed in directsunlight and the radiant heat from the sun causes the ice in the bucketto melt more rapidly and the chilled beverages to warm. In many cases,the ice will melt and drinks will become warm faster than a person canconsume the number of drinks typically in a bucket.

There is a need in the art for an apparatus that can hold ice and drinksbut protect the ice and drinks from the radiant heat of the sun, thusslowing the time it takes for the ice to melt. Further, there is a needin the art for such an apparatus to be easily transportable andinexpensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE SYSTEM

Discussed herein are various embodiments of the cooling system thatserve the following as well as other objectives that will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art.

One objective of the cooling system is the provision of a convenientmeans of keeping cold beverages cold outdoors during warm weather.

Another objective of the cooling system is the provision of a means tolimit the exposure of an ice filled bucket to direct sunlight.

A further objective of the cooling system is the provision of vessel forkeeping cold beverages cold that is easily portable.

A further objective of the cooling system is the provision of vessel forkeeping cold beverages cold that is inexpensive.

A still further objective of the cooling system is the provision ofvessel for keeping cold beverages cold that has a cover that is easilypositionable to block sunlight as the sun position in the sky changesthroughout the day.

Yet another object of the cooling system is to provide a cover for avessel to keep cold drinks cold that can provide maximal protection fromthe sunlight in an open position and require less space for storage ortransport in a closed position.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thecooling system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which shows and describes illustrativeembodiments of the system. As will be realized, the system is capable ofmodifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of the cooling system. Accordingly, the drawings anddetailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature andnot restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the cooling systemwherein the cover is in on open position.

FIG. 2 is a side few of an exemplary embodiment of the cooling systemwhere the cover is in the down position.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives theshaft, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of the inside of the vessel of another embodimentwhere the pole receiver extends up the pole toward the cover, accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the system.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of the cooling system whereinthe shaft is fixed to the outside of the vessel and the cover is an aclosed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the system.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of showing the cover in an open position and theshaft in a pivoted position, according to an exemplary embodiment of thesystem.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the mechanism by which the cover is transitionedfrom open position to closed position, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the system.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the mechanism by which the shaft is transitionedfrom an erect position to a pivoted position, according to an exemplaryembodiment of the system.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an additional embodiment of the cooling systemshowing the cover in a closed position.

FIG. 9 is a side few of the cooling system where the cover is in an openposition.

FIG. 10 is diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives theshaft.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional diagram of the interface between the coverand the vessel according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional diagram of wherein the cover is in a closedposition according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional diagram of showing the cover in an openposition according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional diagram of the interface between the coverand the vessel according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 15 is diagram of the inside of the vessel where it receives theshaft according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 15A is a diagram of the inside of the vessel of another embodimentwhere the pole receiver extends up the pole toward the cover.

FIG. 15B is a diagram of another embodiment of the cooling systemwherein the shaft is fixed to the outside of the vessel and the cover isan a closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the cooling system has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the system.

The present apparatus may be understood by reference to the figures,though the cooling system is not limited to the particular embodimentsshown in the figures. In certain embodiments, the cooling systemcomprises a cover and a means of attaching the cover to a vessel. Otherembodiments of the cooling system further comprise a vessel, wherein thevessel is attached to the cover by such means. For purposes ofillustration in this description, the vessel will be discussed inreference to the cover, but it is not an integral aspect of allembodiments of the cooling system.

A first exemplary embodiment of the current system is depicted inFIG. 1. In these exemplary embodiments, the cover 14 further comprises ashaft 12 having two ends, a first end 12A attached to the vessel 10 anda second end 12B attached to a cover 14. The cover 14 may be any of anumber of structures, here, it is depicted as an umbrella, but manyother configurations are possible and within the scope of the system.Here, the cover 14 is shown in its open orientation, where it iseffective in substantially blocking exposure of direct sun light intothe vessel, so as to maintain the temperature inside the vessel.

In certain embodiments, the vessel 10 is made of metal. In still otherembodiments, the vessel 10 is made of plastic. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the vessel resembles a bucket, though other configurations,such as a vase, a cooler, or any number of other water-tightconfigurations are possible. The vessel can be comprised of a variety ofmaterials, such as steel, acrylic plastic, alabaster, aluminum, bamboo,bluestone, brass, brick, bronze, cane, ceramic glass/tile, concrete,copper, enamel, flagstone, glass, gold, granite, grout, iron, ivory,jade, limestone, marble, pewter, plexiglass, polyurethane, porcelain,sandstone, slate, stainless steel, terrazzo, tin or vinyl tile, orcomposites of multiple materials. Likewise, the cover can be comprisedof many types of hard or soft plastic or cloth. More specifically, boththe vessel and cover may be comprised of: acetate, burlap, fiberglass,rayon, rope, silk, triacetate, wool, acrylic fabric, cotton, linen,modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, Spandex, acrylic plastic,aluminum, bamboo, brass, ceramic glass or tile, copper, enamel, glass,plexiglass, polyurethane, tin, vinyl clothing or vinyl tile, felt andthe like, as well as composites or combinations of these and othermaterials. In certain exemplary embodiments, both the vessel 10 and thecover 14 may contain certain designs, such as decorative patterns,logos, or other aesthetic features.

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus may also comprise at least onehandle 16. In certain embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 1, the handle 16can be placed at the second end of the shaft 12B on the opposite end asthe vessel 10 and just above the cover 14. Other placements of thehandle or handles are clearly possible, such as on the vessel 10 itself.In embodiments wherein a plurality of handles are employed, they can beplaced on opposite sides of the vessel, or in any number ofconfigurations that will be obvious to one of skill in the art. Inembodiments having at least one handle, the handle 16 functions to allowthe user to easily pick up and move the entire apparatus from place toplace, preferably while maintaining a substantially upright orientationand without upsetting the contents of the vessel 10.

In certain embodiments of the cooling system, the cover 14 isadjustable. For example, in certain embodiments, the cover 14 can beclosed. FIG. 2 shows an example of certain exemplary embodiments of thecurrent system wherein the cover 14 is in such a closed orientation. Inthis closed orientation, the apparatus is more easily transported fromplace to place by gripping the handle 16 and lifting the apparatus 9.The cover 14 can be moved into an open orientation by moving the cover14 along the longitudinal axis 22 of the shaft 12 in the direction awayfrom the vessel 10. In certain embodiments of the cooling system, thecover 14 can also be adjustable so as to change the relative heightbetween the cover and the vessel. In certain other embodiments, thecooling system comprises a cover that is attachable

FIG. 3 is cross sectional diagram showing the inside of exemplaryembodiments of the vessel 10. The vessel 10 has a base 6 with first side4 that contacts the ground and second side 5. On the second side 5 ofthe base 6 is a coupling 18 which is fixedly attached to the base 6 ofthe vessel by fasteners 10. Nuts, bolts, screws, clips, clamps,quick-release fasteners and the like can all be employed as couplingmeans. Myriad fastening means are possible, as would be apparent to oneof skill in the art. In certain exemplary embodiments, such as theexample shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 12 has on its first end 12A threadingthat engages with the inside of the coupling 18, which in this case hasa female section designed to accommodate the first end 12A. and screwin. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 12 can contain the femaleend and be placed over the coupler 18. Many other configurations arepossible, as would be clear to one of skill in the art.

FIG. 3A depicts yet another embodiment of the current system wherein thecoupler 18 extends longitudinally along the shaft 12. In someembodiments, such as that depicted in FIG. 3A, the coupler 18 can extendpast the top of the vessel 10, though this is by not necessary. In suchembodiments the coupler provides the shaft with additional support whichmay make the apparatus more suitable in windy conditions, or under otherconditions which cause additional force to be applied to the shaft, oras a feature to increase durability.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of the current systemwherein the shaft 12 is attached to the vessel 10 by a fastening member26 that wraps circumferentially around the vessel 10. The fasteningmember 26 secures the shaft 12 to the outside of the vessel 10 with acoupler 24. In certain embodiments, the fastening member 26 is made ofan elastic polymer. In other embodiments, the fastening member is madeof nylon. Other materials, such steel, ceramic, plastic and the likewill be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. In certainembodiments, the shaft 12 can be further secured to the side of thevessel 10 by an additional fastening member 34. In certain embodiments,the shaft 12 further comprises a pivot lock button 32 located betweenthe first end 12A and second end 12B of the shaft 12. The pivot lockbutton can be depressed to effectuate a transition of the shaft from anerect position to a pivoted position, as best shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 also depicts the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, wherein theshaft 12 has been transitioned into the pivoted position. Ice andbeverages 35 can be seen to fill the vessel 10. In FIG. 5, the cover 14is in an open position and the shaft 12 is in a pivoted position suchthat cover 14 is positioned to block the ice and beverages 35 fromdirect exposure to sunlight overhead.

FIG. 6A depicts a further exemplary embodiment of the cooling systemwherein the shaft 12 further comprises an inner shaft 48 and an outershaft 50, and wherein the inner shaft 12 can be moved telescopicallyinto and out of the outer shaft 50. The outer shaft 50 further comprisesa catch stop 38 and a lower ring 36 wrapping circumferentially aroundthe end of the outer shaft 50 receiving the inner shaft 48. The innershaft 48 further comprises a catch 44. Wrapping around the inner shaft48 is upper ring 42. The cover 14 is connected to a plurality ofstretcher rods 52. Each stretcher rod 52 has a first end 52A and secondend 52B. Said first end 52A connected to the perimeter of the cover 14and said second end 52B connected to the upper ring 42. To move thecover 14 from a closed position to an open position the handle 16 ispressed downward 56 until the upper ring 42 contacts the lower ring 36.Further downward 56 pressure is applied until the catch 44 slides intothe catch slot 38 and locks at which point the stretcher rods 52 will beapproximately perpendicular to the upper ring 42 and the cover 14 willbe placed in an open position.

FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary embodiment of the current system whereinthe cover 14 is in an open position. The handle 16 further comprises arelease trigger 46 that when depressed, moves the catch 44 into aposition flush with the inner shaft 48. When the release trigger 46 isdepressed the catch 44 can clear the catch stop 38. By pulling upwardson the handle 16, the inner shaft 48 can be drawn out of the outer shaft50 and the upper ring 42 moved longitudinally along the outer shaft 50in an upwards direction such that the plurality of stretch rods 52 aredrawn into a position toward a generally parallel position with respectto the shaft 12 and the cover 10 falls into a closed position.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show an exemplary embodiment of the current systemwherein the cover 14 is in a closed and open position, respectively. Theshaft 12 can pivot around the pivot point 15 upon depression of thepivot lock button 32. Upon depression of the pivot lock button, theshaft 12 can pivot around the pivot point 15 until it rests against thestop 17, as best shown in FIG. 7B.

In yet another embodiment of the cooling system, depicted generally inFIGS. 8-15, the cooling system has a generally egg-like shape. In theseexemplary embodiments, the cover 114 is generally domed and in theclosed position is operationally coupled to the vessel 110, as is bestshown FIGS. 8 & 12. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cover 114further comprises a shaft 112 having two ends, a first end 112A attachedto the vessel 110 and a second end 112B attached to the cover 114. InFIG. 8, the cover 114 is shown in its closed orientation, where it iseffective in substantially blocking exposure of direct sun light intothe vessel as well as creating a substantially sealed compartment, so asto maintain the temperature inside the vessel. As best shown in FIGS. 9and 13, the cover 114 is shown in its open orientation wherein coldbeverages can be accessed by users of the cooler.

FIGS. 8-9 are cross sectional diagrams showing the inside of the coolingsystem according to exemplary embodiments. In certain of theseembodiments, the vessel 110 has a base 106 with a first side 104 thatcontacts the ground and a second side 105 which faces the vessel 100. Onthe second side 105 of the base 106 is a coupling 118 which is fixedlyattached to the base 106 of the vessel by fasteners. As with earlierembodiments, nuts, bolts, screws, clips, clamps, quick-release fastenersand the like can all be employed as coupling means. In still furtherembodiments, the base 106 is welded to the vessel 110. It would beapparent to one of skill in the art that a variety of means can beemployed for securing the vessel 110.

As shown in FIGS. 8-9, in certain exemplary embodiments the shaft 122can be extendable 112C so as to allow it to suspend the cover 114 at asufficient height above the upper rim of the vessel 110A so as to allowease of user access to the beverages 1 contained therein. A variety ofmeans, such as a spring loaded or threaded shaft made up of multiplesub-parts can be used to accomplish this adjustment in length, as wouldbe readily apparent to one of skill in the art.

FIGS. 12-13 generally depict the cooler having an insulating layer 120,which in certain embodiments is filled with a thermal insulator such assilica aerogel, polyurethane or styrofoam or other insulation means suchas a vacuum insulated panel. These modes of insulation would be apparentto one of skill in the art.

In certain exemplary embodiments, such as the example shown in FIG. 10,the shaft 112 can further comprise on its first end 112A threading thatengages with the inside of the coupling 118, which in this case has afemale section designed to accommodate the first end 112A and screw in.In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 112 can contain the female endand be placed over the coupler 118. Many other configurations arepossible, as would be clear to one of skill in the art. In certainembodiments, the coupler 118 or shaft 112 can further comprise aspring-loaded mechanism so as to facilitate the raising of the cover114.

FIGS. 11 and 14 depict detailed views of the junction between the cover114 and vessel. Various embodiments of the cooler can contain differingcoupling means, such as a threaded coupling 113 as depicted in FIGS.8-11 or ridge and recess coupling 115, as depicted in FIGS. 12-14. Aswould be apparent to one of skill in the art, various other means ofcreating a thermally preferable seal can be utilized.

As shown in FIGS. 15-15B, in certain exemplary embodiments the coolerfurther comprises an adjustable handle 122, which in this embodimentserves to fold down 122A, as best shown in FIG. 15B. In furtherembodiments, the handle may be retractable, such as is shown in FIGS.8-9.

Although the cooling system has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the system.

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage chilling apparatus, comprising: a. acover; b. a vessel; and c. a fastener, wherein the fastener allowsattachment of the cover to a vessel, so that the cover can be used toprevent sunlight from warming the contents of the vessel.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is adjustable.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the cover is an umbrella.
 4. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the vessel is a bucket.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe fastener is selected from the group consisting of nuts, bolts,screws, and clips.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising anadjustable handle.
 7. A beverage chilling apparatus for attachment to avessel, comprising: d. a cover; and e. a fastener, wherein the fastenerallows attachment of the cover to a vessel.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7,further comprising a vessel.